DESIGN RESEARCHER

Job description

Be #InGoodHands with Metrobank! Here at Metrobank, we don't simply hire employees—we hone future leaders. We provide opportunities that enhance your skills and unlock your talents, helping you evolve into a well-rounded individual. We supply you with all the pieces you need to do your best work, unleashing your full potential to help you secure your future and lead a fulfilling career. And with Metrobank's strong heart for the community, you have the chance to give back and make worthwhile contributions to our nation's economic and social development. With Metrobank, a meaningful life is within your reach! Position Title: Design Researcher Job Summary: The Design Researcher plays a critical role in uncovering customer insights that inform and guide the design of meaningful digital banking experiences. By applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the Design Researcher helps validate design decisions, identify user pain points, and uncover new opportunities. This role supports the Platform 11 (P11) team by integrating user-centricity into the design process and advocating for research findings across product and design teams, ensuring alignment with user needs and business goals. SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES Core Research Functions • Plan, design, and execute mixed-method research (qualitative and/or quantitative) as appropriate, in a fast-paced, iterative development environment. • Analyze and synthesize research findings to uncover insights that inform product strategy, design decisions, and feature prioritization. • Integrate research findings with internal data sources and external market insights to provide a holistic understanding of user behavior and needs. • Provide actionable, data-driven recommendations across all stages of product development — from early concepts to post-launch evaluations. Design Functions Back-up • Collaborate with Interaction Designers, Service Designers, Product Owners, Software Developers, and other Stakeholders to discover areas of opportunity and improve the usability, usefulness, and desirability of service experiences and digital products. Design Process Development and Enhancement • Establish, optimize, and manage methodologies, tools, standards, and best practices for design research within a digital banking team • Help conduct training on user-centered processes to Division team members • Learn, imbibe and practice the Bank’s mission and vision, and the Division’s identity and values. Design Process Regulatory and Bank Policy Compliance • Effectively engage with the appropriate Bank internal partners for regulations, policy, processes, and requirements related to user research, product design and development • Align design research processes with the relevant regulation and bank policies, raising any required changes and concerns through the appropriate channels and authorities. Other Duties • Perform other tasks as may be assigned to support the UX Strategy and Design function. • Serve as a change agent by introducing and championing the best practices of Platform 11 across the enterprise. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology, HCI, Design, or any related field. • At least 1 year of experience in UX research, design research, or customer insights roles. • Proven experience in designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative studies (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys, A/B testing). • Proficiency in research tools (e.g., Optimal Workshop, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom, or similar). • Experience in the financial services or fintech industry. • Knowledge of Agile product development processes. • Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices. Additional Qualities • Excellent analytical and synthesis skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful insights. • Strong collaboration, presentation, and storytelling skills. • Organized, self-motivated, and capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously. • Curious mindset with a deep passion for understanding human behavior and delivering better user experiences.